Borgarnes City
Icelandic town and regional service centre
A fjord town with a Saga museum, Borgarnes sits on Borgarfjörður; visitors use it as a base for Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Reykholt’s hot springs, and coastal walks where sheep graze beside lava fields.
At a GlanceKey facts, why go and what's on now
Borgarnes at a Glance#
Costs: Moderate Icelandic prices - expect $110-$150 per day for road-trip style travel and lodging.
Safety: Extremely safe - extremely safe with low crime and welcoming tourism services.
Best Time: June-September (summer); Dec-March (aurora) - summer for mild weather and long daylight; winter for northern lights.
Why Visit Borgarnes?#
Overlooking Borgarfjörður, this coastal Icelandic town is a gateway to dramatic natural sights such as Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and the historic Reykholt settlement. The Settlement Centre interprets Viking-age stories, making the town a solid base for exploring lava fields, hot springs like Deildartunguhver and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Expect hearty Icelandic lamb, skyr and a calm small-town rhythm that suits hikers and anyone chasing landscape history rather than nightlife.
Things to DoTop sights, bucket list and day trips
Best Things to Do in Borgarnes#
Borgarnes Bucket List#
Borgarnes Settlement Center (Sagnheimar) - Visit the Settlement Center to learn Icelandic sagas and regional history through exhibits.
Borgarnes waterfront promenade - Walk the waterfront promenade for coastal views, cafés, and local sculpture installations.
Local seafood restaurants - Dine at waterfront restaurants serving fresh West Iceland seafood and seasonal dishes.
Krauma geothermal baths - Relax at Krauma baths using Deildartunguhver’s hot spring water and modern spa facilities.
Grábrók crater hikes - Climb Grábrók crater for easy hikes and expansive lava-field views nearby.
Small local galleries and craft shops - Browse tiny galleries showcasing regional art, woollen goods, and handcrafted souvenirs.
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss - Drive to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss to see layered lava waterfalls and rushing rapids.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Spend a day exploring Snæfellsnes with dramatic coastlines, fishing villages, and a glacier.
Nearby Cities #
When to GoSeasons, weather and festivals
Best Time to Visit Borgarnes#
Summer offers the best window for visiting Borgarnes-long daylight and accessible roads for exploring West Iceland. Winters are stormy with short daylight but spectacular when the skies clear.
December - February
-5 to 4°C (23-39°F)
Unpredictable, stormy winter with short daylight and frequent gales; dramatic landscapes, fewer tourists, and good chances for northern lights on clear nights.
March - May
0 to 10°C (32-50°F)
Slowly lengthening days, thawing snows, and improving roads; shoulder season feels raw but rewarding for photographers and quiet scenic drives.
June - August
7 to 14°C (45-57°F)
Cool summers with steady winds and long daylight; ideal for hiking, coastal drives, and whale-watching, but pack warm layers and waterproofs.
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 13°C. Moderate rainfall (786 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -4° - 2° | -7° | 78 mm | overcast | 92% | 7.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.0h |
| February | Poor | -3° - 2° | -7° | 79 mm | overcast | 91% | 7.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.2h |
| March | Poor | -3° - 2° | -6° | 77 mm | overcast | 89% | 7.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | 0° - 5° | -3° | 50 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.9h |
| May | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 47 mm | overcast | 81% | 5.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 18.2h |
| June | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 6° | 43 mm | overcast | 80% | 5.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 20.4h |
| July | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 10° | 51 mm | overcast | 81% | 5.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 19.3h |
| August | Acceptable | 8° - 12° | 8° | 70 mm | overcast | 83% | 5.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 16.1h |
| September | Acceptable | 5° - 10° | 4° | 63 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | 2° - 6° | 0° | 76 mm | overcast | 89% | 6.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| November | Poor | -1° - 3° | -4° | 73 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.0h |
| December | Poor | -3° - 2° | -7° | 79 mm | overcast | 91% | 7.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 3.6h |
Getting There & AroundAirports, trains and local transport
How to Get to Borgarnes#
Borgarnes is best reached from Reykjavík or Keflavík by regional coach or rental car - Iceland has no passenger rail service. Bus timetables are seasonal so book or check schedules in advance during shoulder seasons.
Keflavík International Airport (KEF): The main international airport for Iceland. Driving from KEF to Borgarnes takes roughly 75-110 minutes (depending on route and weather); bus services (e.g., Reykjavík Excursions / Strætó connections) run between KEF or Reykjavík and Borgarnes with journey times from Reykjavik about 50-75 minutes. Coach fares from Reykjavik to Borgarnes are commonly ISK 1,800-2,500.
Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV): Domestic flights arrive into Reykjavík city airport; from Reykjavík you can reach Borgarnes by bus or rental car in about 50-75 minutes.
Train: Iceland has no passenger rail network.
Bus: Intercity buses (Strætó and private coach operators) link Reykjavík, Keflavík and Borgarnes. Timetables vary seasonally; coaches are the practical public transport option to reach Borgarnes and onward to Snæfellsnes or West Iceland.
How to Get Around Borgarnes#
Travel to Borgarnes is typically by coach from Reykjavík or by rental car from Keflavík. Buses are the public option, but renting a car gives maximum flexibility for exploring West Iceland’s attractions.
- Intercity bus (Strætó / private coaches) (ISK 1,500-2,500) - The main public transport link between Reykjavík/Keflavík and Borgarnes. Buses are comfortable but less frequent than in mainland Europe-book in advance in peak season. Journey from Reykjavík is about 50-75 minutes.
- Car / Rental (ISK 6,000-15,000/day) - Driving is the most flexible way to explore West Iceland; roads are generally good but weather can change quickly, especially in winter. Borgarnes makes a convenient base for westward drives and day trips to Snæfellsnes.
- Taxi / Private transfer (ISK 10,000-30,000) - Useful for direct transfers from Keflavík or Reykjavík when buses do not fit your schedule. Expect high fares compared with buses-best for groups or time‑sensitive connections.
- Local buses (ISK 200-800) - Local services within the Borgarnes area connect nearby villages and attractions; frequencies are limited, so check schedules ahead of time. Useful for short hops if you don’t have a car.
- Cycling / Walking - Borgarnes town itself is walkable; cycling is possible in summer but beware weather and wind. Walking is the best way to explore the compact centre and shoreline.
Where to StayThe best areas to base yourself
Where to Stay in Borgarnes#
Town centre - ISK 6,000-12,000/night
Borgarnes has a small selection of budget hotels and guesthouses. Expect simple amenities and good value for exploring West Iceland.
Hotel B59 Borgarnes - Simple, budget-friendly rooms near town
Guesthouses and hostels (listings) - A few small affordable stays available
Town centre / coastal road - ISK 12,000-22,000/night
Mid-range hotels provide comfortable rooms and hearty breakfasts, convenient for Golden Circle and Snæfellsnes day trips.
Hotel Borgarnes - Comfortable rooms, good breakfast
Hotel Hamar - Country-style rooms, scenic surroundings
Regional / Reykjavik for luxury - ISK 22,000+/night
Borgarnes itself has limited luxury offerings; for top-tier lodges and resort experiences, plan to stay closer to Reykjavik or remote luxury farms.
Deplar Farm (region) - High-end remote lodge (long drive away)
Luxury: larger properties in Reykjavik - Best luxury options in the capital
Eat & DrinkStreet food, restaurants, bars and nightlife
Where to Eat in Borgarnes#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Borgarnes’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
ShoppingMarkets, malls and souvenirs
Shopping in Borgarnes#
Shopping in Borgarnes is small-scale: a few galleries, souvenir shops and practical stores for visitors. The Settlement Centre and local craft outlets are the main places to pick up regional handicrafts and books.